That Kind of Cowboy

Chapter Eleven: Madison

It has been four days since Lucas asked me to be his. At first, I was scared to jump into another relationship. Lucas is good to me; he does not push me and wants to take things at my pace. I know eventually I will have to tell him everything and I plan too.

I have not seen or heard from Ethan since his last message. I am hoping that he is nowhere close to me. I bet all he is trying to do is scare me. I have been driving to and from work without anything going wrong. I do not think he will find me.

Today we are going to have a sleepover at Lucas’ house. I am planning to tell my mother before I run to Walmart. I want to tell her while the kids are gone. I do not want them here when mom decides to blow up on me for being with Lucas. She has not been supportive about me spending time with him. I do not know if she thinks she is protecting me or that fact that she needs to control someone. I am going to go with the latter on that one.

I finished getting our overnight bags together and sat them in the living room. I looked around the room, not hearing mom. I called her name as I made my way to her room. She is lying in bed with a book in hand, sometimes I think reading is the only thing we have in common.

“Hey mom, can I talk to?” I asked leaning against her door frame.

“What do you need to talk about?” she asked, placing her bookmark, and sitting the book aside.

“About Lucas, I know you cannot see it. But I really like him, and we are going to give us a shot. He is a nice guy, mom. He is nothing like dad. And I wanted you to know that Me and the kids will be with Lucas tonight.”

“Is that right?” she asked, crossing her arms over her chest, a tight smile on her lips.

“Yes mom, that is right.”

“Well since you do not want to listen to what I think is best for you, go ahead. If you think he is so different go ahead and see how he treats you. Also, you need to find someone to take your kids to school, I do not think it will be best for me.”

“That is fine, mom. Are you kicking us out?” I did not think she would take this out on my children.

“No, you can still live here for now.”

“Really mom? You are going to treat your daughter and grandkids this way?”

“Yes, and I will not be taking care of another baby, when he knocks you up and leaves alone to care for it.” I know she does not know how much that line has hurt me. She does not know that I cannot have kids because of Ethan, I could not help the tear that slipped out.

“Bye mom.” I told her, turning away from her and stepped away from the door, running into the living room to grab our bags. I put everything in the back seat and got behind the wheel.

This time when a tear fell, I did not care. I cried harder than I have ever cried. It always feels the same when they told me about the news at the hospital. It still hurts me every day knowing the reason why I could not have more kids. My phone ringing helped to slow down the tears that were streaming down my face. They were still there but not as drowning.

“He...hello?” I sobbed out, not caring who was on the other end.

“Darlin, what is wrong?” Lucas asked with concern in his voice.

“Nothing, I am fine.” I told him, trying to stop the tears.

“No, you are not Maddie. I can hear you crying, please tell me.”

“Just something mom said, I will get over it.”

“Where are you and what did she say this time?”

“I am sitting in my car in front of her house. We got into an argument about me and you.” I told him, as the tears were still falling. You would think I would not have any more tears left to cry.

“What did she tell you? I need to know so I can help.” I could hear the worry in the tone of his voice. I told him everything that she told me.

“Maddie, I am so sorry. We will find someone to watch them, I will talk to mom this weekend. And I would never treat you or the kids the way your dad and Ethan did. I promise you.”

“Thank you, Lucas.”

“For what, Darlin?”

“For everything. For being here for me and always knowing what to say.” I replied, knowing that I cannot express the way I feel for this man. Talking to him helps to calm me down.

“What do you have planned for the day?”

“I have to go to Walmart and pick some stuff up before the kids get out of school. After that I was going to head to your house, I really cannot face my mother right now.”

“I understand, and you know if you ever did get pregnant with my child. I would never leave Maddie; I would be right there beside you. Do not let her get inside your head.” The confidence in his voice tells me that he means every word.

“I know Lucas. It was not you leaving that broke me down. It was the baby comment. I am not completely healed yet with that fact.” I confessed to him.

“I know, it will take time. Is Bella going with you?” he asked, changing the subject.

“No, she has something planned with her mom.”

“You are going by yourself?”

“Yes, I will be fine. I am going straight to Walmart and then to your house. No pit stops or anything. I will get what I need and get out of there.” I promised him.

“Okay Maddie. Call me even if it is just a feeling.”

“Alright, I will see you after a while. Bye Lucas.”

“See you soon, Maddie.” Lucas replied, ending the call, I got settled into my seat. I have noticed that Lucas never tells me bye. It is always, see you later, or see you soon, never goodbye. I understand the meaning behind it, it is sweet of him.

The sooner I leave, the better. I do not want to be gone longer than I must be. Lucas has become part of my world, that I never want to slip through my fingers. It hurts to be away from him. I always need to be near the man.

************

That must be the fastest trip in Walmart that I have ever made. I got everything I needed, and I picked up a couple of snacks for tonight. After placing my bags in the trunk, I climbed behind the wheel, and locked the doors. I started up my old car and was about to put it in gear when my phone went off with a text message.

I dug through my purse till I finally found it at the bottom. Unlocking the screen and opening the message. I could not believe what my eyes were seeing. A picture of me, wearing today’s outfit and inside the store. I screenshot the message and I sent it to Lucas. Putting my car in gear, backing out of the parking spot, I wasted no time leaving.

How did he find me? How did he know where I was? Has he been following me? So many questions are running through my mind. Glancing up in the rearview mirror, I noticed a car following me a little too close. It was a car parked not too far from where I was parked. Have they been following me? Am I driving too slowly? Is it Ethan?

How do I get out of this mess? I cannot outrun him. I cannot pull over, there is nothing for me to do but drive. Gripping the wheel tighter, trying not to cry.

Lucas’ ringtone boomed through the silent car. Being careful I answered the phone and put it on the speakerphone.

“Maddie, I got your text. Are you in your car?”

“Yes, I am headed to you. Lucas, I am scared.”

“Did you see anything off? Did you hear anything?”

“No, I didn’t.” I replied, noticing the shakiness of my own voice.

“What are you not telling me?”

“I think I am being followed. The car behind me has been there since I left the store, and they are close to hitting the back of my car.” I told him, as I sped up a little. “I am still in Seminole; I have not made it out of town yet.” Gripping the steering wheel tighter, trying to keep my tears at bay.

“Calm down Maddie and stay on the phone with me. There is not much I can do from here. I need you to keep your eyes on the road and stay alert. I knew I should have gone with you. What was I thinking?”

“It is not your fault, Lucas. I just need to hear your voice right now. It keeps me calm.” I confessed to him.

“It’s Maddie, her ex found her.” I heard Lucas’ muffled voice as he talked to someone on his end of the phone line. “No Grayson, she is on her way here. Sorry Maddie, I knew you still needed me, and Grayson heard some of our conversations.” He explained to me.

“It is okay.” I replied, finally making the turn on the highway heading for Maud. Glancing in the rearview mirror, to see if that car was still following me. Yep, still back there, picking up speed, and slowing down only inches from my bumper. I let out a little squeak as I picked up a little more speed. Trying not to overextend the law.

“What is it?”

“He is still following me; he keeps getting too close for liking. I am afraid they are going to hit my bumper.”

“How far are you from the house?”

“I will be there in a few minutes.”

“Alright, we will be at the top of the drive, so he does not follow you down the drive. Maddie, hold on a second, you will still be able to hear my voice, okay?”

“Okay, Lucas.”

“Grayson, I need you to get the shot gun.” I heard him tell his brother.

“What are you going to do with that?” I asked, shocked by what they might have in mind.

“We are just going to scare him a little bit. Do you trust me?” Lucas asked me.

“I trust you with my life.” I automatically respond, I know in my bones that I can trust this cowboy.

“I see you, start slowing down or you will not be able to turn.”

“I’m trying to.” I told him, slowing down the car. When I got it turned, I noticed Grayson sitting on the tailgate with a shotgun in his hands. If I were not so frightened, I would have laughed at the scene they made with the shotgun. Hopefully, Ethan is smart enough to stay away from me now.

When I made it safely down his driveway, I waited in my car with the doors unlocked, and waited for Lucas to give me the okay to get out. I am thankful that I made it without facing Ethan, if I did, I might not be here now.

“Maddie?” Lucas said, tapping on my window to get my attention. I did not even hear his truck pull up beside me. Looking around I saw Grayson climbing into his truck. I hit the unlock button, then unbuckled my seatbelt. He had my door open before I could get turned around in my seat, his hand held out for me to take. Taking it, he helped me out of my car and into his muscular arms and holding me close to his chest.

“It’s okay Darlin, I got you.” Lucas whispered into my ear. I did not even realize I was crying, till he said that. I wrapped my arms tighter around him, needing him to be closer to me.

“I am better now, just a little shaken up.” I replied into his chest.

“It will be all right, baby. I will keep you safe from him.” And I believed him with my whole heart.

“Thank you.” I told him, pulling away from the hug. Feeling the loss of his body heat rapidly leaving mine.

“Let’s unload your car and we need to have talk.” He said walking towards the trunk of my car.

“Is it a good talk again or a bad one?” I questioned, taking the bags from the backseat.

“It can go either way, but I am hoping it will be a good talk.”

We got everything into the house in one load, I did not bring much, just enough for tonight and tomorrow. I dropped my overnight bags on the couch, while Lucas carried the Walmart bags into the kitchen. I followed behind him, enjoying the view of his backside. Noticing the way his muscles stretch his black T-shirt over his shoulders. The denim faded blue jeans clung to all the right places. I should be embarrassed about gawking at him, but I am not one bit ashamed of my actions.

“I didn’t know what all came in and what stayed in your car, I just brought it all in.” He said, as he placed the bags on the bar separating the kitchen from the dining room.

“That is fine. The only bag that goes back out there, is the one with Emma’s shoes and basketball clothes.” I told him, picking it up and moving it to the side.

“Is she playing this year?”

“Yep, the friends she made, they all are playing and talked her into. Emma was scared too since she was new. She is starting to open up more.”

“Fantastic, I am happy for her. I think she will be happy here.” He said, putting our snacks and drinks away.

“I think she will be too.” I told him, as we made our way back into the living room.

“Are you happy, Maddie?” he asked, stopping me in the doorframe, putting his arms up, trapping me in between him and the frame.

“I am happy, whenever I am around you. You make everything better just by being in the same room. I would be even happier if Ethan would leave me alone.” I told him honestly, leaning back against the frame, looking up at him.

“I know baby, but until he messes up big time I will be here, keeping you safe.” Lucas said, leaning down and placing a quick kiss on my lips. Moving his body closer to mine, feeling the hard lines of his chest through his thin shirt. No matter how long the kiss lasts, I always feel the sparks with Lucas. I am hoping it is at least one sign that I am moving in the right direction.

Wrapping his calloused hand around mine, he led us to the couch. He moved the bags to the floor, then took a seat. Instead of letting me sit beside him, he pulled me onto his lap. Moving his arms around me into a tight hug. I felt safe within his arms. Like I made to fit into them.

“We need to talk about something serious.” his breathed out, blowing my hair when he spoke.

“What is it?” I questioned, waiting for his respond.

“I know this might be fast for you. But I want you and the kids to move in with. I need to know that y’all are always safe. I hate being away from you. I know that this thing between us is real, I feel it in my bones. Sometimes you just know when it is right, and this is it. I know that you are it for me, you are the one, Maddie.” Lucas confessed with passion in his voice. I know we have something special, and I feel it in my bones too.

“I feel the same way, Lucas. But I think it might be too soon.”

“Think about it, Darlin. You have all the time you need; remember you can always come here. I will get a copy of the house key, so you can come and go, as you please. Even when I am not here.” He said, moving my hair away from my face, and placing a kiss on my neck.

“I want to move in, I just need some time. I will think on it, I like being around you, cowboy.”

“You going to start calling me that?” he asked, with a smile on his lips. His hands placed on my thighs; I can feel the heat from them. I wish I did not have to be responsible; I wish I could tell him yes and not worry about what happens next.

“Maybe.” I told him, kissing him on the cheek.

“Can you imagine that we could be like this every day.”

“Are you trying to talk me into it?” I laughed.

“Maybe. But really, I would not mind coming home and knowing that you are here. Waiting for me to walk in from working and think about all the fuel I will be saving from not going into town twice a day to see you.” He laughed, pulling me closer to him, so I would not move away from him.

“Nobody said you had to see me at all, cowboy.” I teased back.

“Nobody has to tell me; I would follow you to the end of the world.”

“You know we still have to pick up kids, right?” I asked, changing the topic, and trying to move from his lap.

“We still have a few minutes before we have to leave. Come here.” he said keeping one arm around my waist. His hand was placed on the side of my face, running his thumb over my bottom lip. “Let me show you what we could do every day before two.” He lowered his lips to mine, deepening the kiss, and holding my head in place.

This kiss is different than the others. This one kiss, so full of passion and want and... And could that possibly be love? I knew without a doubt that this man is my forever. The one I want to spend the rest of my life with. The one I want to go through life with.

Running my hands through his hair, pulling his head closer to mine. His hand on my hips, running his fingers over my exposed skin between my jeans and T-shirt. My body tingling from the connection of his skin touching mine.

“As much as I want to finish this, we got to go.” Lucas said, pulling away from my lips. “Rain check?”

“When?” I asked, moving my arms around his neck, staring into his dark lustful eyes.

“Tonight? The kids can sleep in the spare rooms or have a campout in the living room.” he said, staring back into my eyes. The heat and electricity are still floating around us. “We can share my bed.” He added in a deeper, huskier voice.

“Sounds good to me.” I replied, leaning in for one more kiss before moving off his lap.

“Let’s go get the children." Lucas said, placing his hand on the small of my back. The small and protective gesture sending currents through my spin as we made our way to his truck.

************

I have never had more fun cooking than I did with Lucas. It was a simple meal of pork chops, mac n cheese and green beans. We had fun in the kitchen, I have never laughed so much before while making supper.

We are in the living room watching Disney movies as we play a round of Monopoly. Lucas is helping Sofia, and they are taking all the property. My kids have not been this happy in a long time.

Spending time with Lucas has opened my eyes to what I want out of life. I want this man to be every part of our lives. I want him to help me raise these kids. I want to move in with Lucas, I want us to be a family.

Spending every day together and always being there for each other, I want that. I want every part of this journey, the good, the bad, and the ugly. If Lucas is standing beside me, I can make it through anything life throws at me.

“I think you are cheating.” Emma said, handing Sofia more rent money.

“No, we just know how to play the game.” Lucas laughed.

“If I land on a another one of your properties, I will go bankrupt.” I laughed, taking my turn, and giving Sofia and Lucas all the money I had.

“Next time, Lucas is on my team.” Noah said, after landing on one of theirs. Giving all the money to his little sister.

“This game is rigged.” Emma said, handing over the last of her money.

“Yay! We won!” Sofia screamed while running around the living room. I watched Lucas’ face for a reaction, all he did was smile and laugh at the little girl, who was celebrating her victory.

“Let’s pick another movie for y’all to watch before bed.” I told them, picking up the game pieces.

“I had fun tonight.” Lucas said, helping me pack up the game.

“I did too.”

“See, we can do this every Friday night.”

“Still trying to talk me into it, I see.” I said, putting the lid on the box.

“I will ask you every day. I want this Maddie, I want you.” covering my hands the coffee table.

“That might make it longer before I agree.” I told him, gazing back into his eyes.

“Mom, we want to watch Zombies, but Noah wants to watch Cars.” Emma said, breaking the moment between me and Lucas.

“If y’all be really good and lay down and watch Zombies, then you can put Cars on, okay?” Lucas asked them, not moving his hands off mine.

“We will!” They all screamed at once.

“Alright, we are going to bed. That means you better behave, no screaming or fighting.” Lucas told them, not in a mean voice, but a caring one. They all agreed and gave us goodnight hugs.

“You did good with them.” I told him, as we put the board game up.

“I am learning but tell me if I overstep in any way. I want this to work, I want us to work.” He said, I love how he puts my emotions first.

“You are doing a good job so far.” I replied, pushing up on my tiptoes giving him a quick kiss. The first one we have shared since we picked the kids up.

“Let us go to bed, I have something else that I am good at, and I want to show you.” Lucas smiled, taking me by the hand. Laughing as he pulled me into his bedroom and locking the door behind us. I could get used to having nights like this every night. Feeling safe, loved, and wanted, all the things that I have been craving in my life.